Elite cornerback on Nick Saban: ‘The best coach in college’

Four-star cornerback William Poole is adamant that he won’t add any more schools to his list of favorites. Rather, it’ll get smaller in the coming months as he zeroes in on his decision, one that could come as soon as this summer.

Among the schools he will choose from are Georgia, Florida, Florida State, Alabama and Clemson, in no particular order. The junior from Hapeville Charter (Ga.) high school went in-depth on the status of his relationship with each of the aforementioned programs at Sunday’s RisingSeniors.com all-star week:

UGA: “They hired Kirby Smart (as coach). I had a great relationship with him at Alabama. Him taking over that role really boosted Georgia’s chances to sign me. He’s a defensive-minded coach as well. I was already in love with Georgia. It just basically gave them a boost.”

Florida: “I’ve been in contact with those coaches a lot. When I come out they’re going to be lacking defensive backs. They tell me I can come in and fill that spot. I’m going to go check them out soon and see what they have to offer.”

Florida State: “I went there and I fell in love with the place. I talk to coach Kelly a lot. He basically said the same thing. When my time comes, they’re going to be lacking at the defensive back spot and they can put me anywhere in the secondary that they choose.”

Alabama: “It’s kind of like Georgia. They have a home field advantage as well. I have family in Alabama. Coach (Nick) Saban is really a business oriented guy. He’s a great coach. The best coach in college, if you ask for my opinion. I know he’ll get me where I want to be on the field and off the field.”

Clemson: “They’re really coming strong at me. They’ve been coming strong at me since they offered. Coach Reid, he says the same thing as the other four schools as far as coming in and playing as a true freshman. That’s really something I make sure coaches interact with me about. I’ve been down there for a visit, not for a game, but I loved it.”

Poole tells SEC Country he plans to cut his list down to three schools in the next few months, specifically after he takes an unofficial visit to Florida. He plans to commit this summer.